our 12 favorite decor items of decades past

(and their updates!)

Decor trends come and go—and are almost always reinvented. Shag carpets are returning in the form of area rugs and wicker chairs with a mid-century modern feel are the new essentials. But some trends, like chia pets and plastic covered furniture, are better left in the past. Read on to see our favorite decor items of decades past AND their new, trendy replacements.

1. past: floral couches We all remember growing up with the most boldly colored floral couches. Whether you cozied up on cotton, velvet, or jacquard (!!), you know what I’m talking about. In the past, this type of couch more closely resembled Kim Kardashian’s infamous 2013 Met Gala dress. Now, done right, a light floral couch can pass for shabby chic and be a lovely statement piece for any room.

present: shag rugs Shag carpet is making a comeback, but thankfully in a more manageable form. Cozy area rugs of the “shag” variety are on trend, and we’re not hating it. Also proving its longevity is the sheepskin, a fun alternative to the shag carpet rug.

4. past: embroidery Skilled embroiderers have almost completely disappeared with the onslaught of mobile devices. If you’re still a fan (we admit it, we are), there are young, trendy vendors selling their stuff on Etsy.

6. past: graphic bedspreads The 80s and 90s were filled with printed comforters reflective of the popular design and fashion trends of the times. While we’re glad we’ve moved onto simpler designs, there’s no arguing that these bedspreads will always have had an epic moment.

present: succulents Of course, succulents had to make our list. These tiny plants are appropriately sized for small spaces and window sills (much like our chia pets), and add some much-needed green to our lives.

8. past: plastic covered furniture I think we can all agree that while once upon a time, covering your furniture in plastic was considered practical, the act is now unthinkable. Even though we giggled at the thick, sticky plastic coverings, they will always be one of our favorite decor memories.

present: mid-century modern furniture We simply can’t get enough of mid-century modern couches, chairs, tables—you name it. Something about stealing a design trend from the past that was inspired by the future just feels so right.

11. past: glass dining table top A large glass dining room table was—and still can be—a hot commodity. With updated legs, modern or mismatched chairs, and other accessories, the glass top is welcome to stay.

12. past: a sunroom There was a time when we relied on our sunrooms for the majority of our natural lighting, but now we strive for large windows that let in the maximum amount of natural light in every room of the house. Patios and spending time outside are preferred.